ANY application that seeks to build new homes exclusively for key workers deserves to be commended and sets a great precedent, one which I hope will prove a significant and deciding factor for a successful planning outcome.

That the proposal for the sports field in William Morris Close, Cowley, consists only of one bedroom flats and offers a great opportunity to help address the needs and interests of single people who are often overlooked and marginalised; when developers seek to maximise potential profit from a development site.

However, to ensure these new homes remain ‘affordable’ for future key workers, I suggest that consideration is given to covenanting the land so that such affordability can be sustained in perpetuity.

Otherwise, whilst the offer of 20 per cent below market value might make these new homes affordable on first sale the reality is that they are unlikely to remain so in the future.

It is now an undisputed fact that Oxford is currently the most unaffordable city in the UK for housing based on average earnings, and I believe we all share a responsibility to find as many community-based solutions as possible to meet the current housing crisis.

Therefore, I urge your readers to add their support and comment on this Planning Application 16/02651/ OUT.

In doing so, we can amplify the voice of key workers everywhere.

JAYNE WOODLEY

Chief Executive

Oxfordshire Community Foundation